Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Dutch Supreme Court declares RuneScape theft a real-world crime]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/dutch-supreme-court-declares-runescape-theft-a-real-world-crime/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/dutch-supreme-court-declares-runescape-theft-a-real-world-crime/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/dutch-supreme-court-declares-runescape-theft-a-real-world-crime/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dutch Supreme Court
Is stealing a virtual good deserving of a real-world criminal sentence? According to a recent ruling by the Dutch Supreme Court, the answer is "yes."

The court recently upheld a ruling of a criminal case in which teens attacked another youth and forced him at knifepoint to relinquish his possessions in RuneScape, including an in-game amulet and knife.

The incident happened in 2007, and a lower court convicted the two thieves in 2009. One of the defendants then appealed to the country's supreme court on the grounds that the stolen goods "were neither tangible nor material and, unlike for example electricity, had no economic value."

However, the judges declared that these virtual items had value because they represented "time and energy invested" to acquire. The thieves were sentenced to 144 hours of community service.

MassivelyDutch Supreme Court declares RuneScape theft a real-world crime originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criminal-casedutch-supreme-courtin-game-theftjagexlegallegal-rulingrsrulingrunescapesupreme-courtthefttheiveryvirtual-itemsTue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Academic talks MMO legalese and virtual property rights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/academic-talks-mmo-legalese-and-virtual-property-rights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/academic-talks-mmo-legalese-and-virtual-property-rights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/academic-talks-mmo-legalese-and-virtual-property-rights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Treasure hoard
Virtual item ownership has been a hot topic in MMO circles for a number of years now. Every so often, an academic will publish a paper regarding the legal and societal implications of trading real currency for fake goods, and the latest such academic is Rutgers University law professor Greg Lastowka.

Lastowka examines a number of high-profile virtual goods disputes (including one that ended with the real-world stabbing death of a virtual thief who sold a rare sword after "borrowing" it from a friend).

The piece also provides some interesting food for thought in the form of nightmare legal scenarios run amok (nerf patch lawsuits and legal action for server shutdowns are just two examples). You can read the full article text at Gamasutra.

MassivelyAcademic talks MMO legalese and virtual property rights originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greg-lastowkalawsuitslawyerslegallegal-issuesMiscellaneousmmo-industryproperty-rightsrightsvirtual-itemsvirtual-propertyThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint's €1000 space drone sale clarified]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/bigpoints-1000-space-drone-sale-clarified/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/bigpoints-1000-space-drone-sale-clarified/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/bigpoints-1000-space-drone-sale-clarified/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DarkOrbit - space droneLast week we told you about Bigpoint's eyebrow-raising sale of a €1,000 virtual space drone. Gamesbrief recently updated its news posting after its readers chimed in with a healthy dose of skepticism regarding the numbers involved in the supposed windfall.

As it turns out, said numbers are likely still impressive, but rather less impressive than the €2 million ($2.7 million) initially surmised. Gamesbrief's correction post states that the drone cannot be bought for real cash, and instead must be purchased with DarkOrbit's Uridium currency, which is available for real money or earned in game. Bigpoint has in fact sold 2,000 of the drones, but not at a direct cost of €1,000 each.

"I no longer think that you can multiply 2,000 10th Drones sold times €1,000 to work out how much revenue Bigpoint made from this single item," Gamesbrief's Nicholas Lovell writes.

MassivelyBigpoint's €1000 space drone sale clarified originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigpointbrowserbrowser-basedbusiness-modelscorrectiondark-orbitdarkorbitdroneexpensive-dronef2pfree-to-playsci-fispace-dronevirtual-itemsMon, 28 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's the most you'd spend on a virtual item?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-youd-spend-on-a-virtual-item/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-youd-spend-on-a-virtual-item/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-youd-spend-on-a-virtual-item/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Big pile of money
So Bigpoint is apparently rolling around in piles of money these days, in no small part because of virtual item windfalls like the one resulting from its €1000 DarkOrbit space drone. Expensive cash shop items are nothing new, of course, and whether we're talking about World of Warcraft's $25 sparkle pony or EverQuest II's propensity for making you buy items for each character on your account, companies have figured out that there's a certain segment of the MMO-playing population with a good amount of disposable income.

For today's Daily Grind, we're curious about your cash shop spending limits. In a nutshell, what's the most you've ever spent -- or that you'd be willing to spend -- on a virtual item?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's the most you'd spend on a virtual item? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigpointbusiness-modelsdaily-grinddarkorbiteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfree-to-playgame-discussiongamer-discussionmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsopinionspace-dronetdgthe-daily-grindvirtual-itemsworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 24 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint sells 2000 virtual space drones for €1000 each]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/bigpoint-sells-2000-virtual-space-drones-for-1000-each/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/bigpoint-sells-2000-virtual-space-drones-for-1000-each/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/bigpoint-sells-2000-virtual-space-drones-for-1000-each/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DarkOrbit - that is one expensive space drone
Earlier this year Bigpoint made headlines for its pragmatic approach to pay-to-win business models in free-to-play MMOs. Today, Gamesbrief has published a story illustrating just how successful such strategies can be.

Bigpoint recently made a rare space drone available in its DarkOrbit MMO. While this isn't newsworthy in and of itself, what caught our attention was the €1000 price tag. Our eyebrows arched a little higher as Bigpoint producer Simon Davis revealed that upwards of 2000 people bought one of the drones over a four-day period.

If you're counting at home, that's over €2 million (nearly $2.7 million) in four days from a single virtual item.

MassivelyBigpoint sells 2000 virtual space drones for €1000 each originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigpointbrowserbrowser-basedbusiness-modelsdarkorbitf2pfree-to-playmmo-industrypay-2-winpay-to-winsci-fisimon-davisspace-dronesvirtual-itemsWed, 23 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Accept envelopes full of cash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/free-for-all-accept-envelopes-full-of-cash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/free-for-all-accept-envelopes-full-of-cash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/free-for-all-accept-envelopes-full-of-cash/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Well, at least that was the advice that Min Kim, vice president of Nexon America gave would-be game developers and other audience members at GDC Austin last year. To be clear, he was not telling them, while rolling his evil mustache and laughing, to get their hands on kids money no matter what. He was simply suggesting to game makers that they accept as many forms of payment as possible, including envelopes full of cash.

And if you look at the Nexon website, Pay-By-Cash does allow you to send money through the mail. There are, quite literally, scores of ways to get your money into the hands of free-to-play developers. It's a little ironic, if you think about it, that the "free" market so easily fuels the addiction to pink dresses or limited-time mounts. So, are they enablers or just very smart?

Continue reading Free for All: Accept envelopes full of cash

MassivelyFree for All: Accept envelopes full of cash originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfree-for-allftpmin-kimnexon-americavirtual-item-salesvirtual-itemsTue, 18 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy special Station items and SOE will donate to Haitian relief]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/buy-special-station-items-and-soe-will-donate-to-haitian-relief/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/buy-special-station-items-and-soe-will-donate-to-haitian-relief/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/buy-special-station-items-and-soe-will-donate-to-haitian-relief/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you've been considering donating to Haitian relief efforts and happen to play EverQuest, EverQuest II, or Free Realms, then we've got some news that you'll undoubtedly want to take a look at.

Between now and midnight PST on January 18th, for every purchase of either a Zando T-Rex pet in Free Realms, a Protectors of the Faydark armor crate in EverQuest II, or a Plush Bear item in EverQuest, SOE will donate $10 to the relief efforts up to a maximum of $25,000. Considering each of the items only costs 500 Station Cash to purchase, that equates to players donating $5, then SOE matching the donation with $5 of their own and then sending it along. That's pretty cool in our book.

So if you want to help a great cause and land a little something fun for your EQ, EQII, or Free Realms character, then these items are something you'll want to pick up before the midnight on the 18th. Also, a big thumbs up to SOE for offering items to raise money for Haiti.

[Update: SOE has raised $25,000 for this relief effort in just three days!]

MassivelyBuy special Station items and SOE will donate to Haitian relief originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifree-realmshaitihaitian-reliefitem-mallsoesony-online-entertainmentvirtual-itemsSun, 17 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sweden extending taxation into the virtual]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/sweden-extending-taxation-into-the-virtual/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/sweden-extending-taxation-into-the-virtual/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/sweden-extending-taxation-into-the-virtual/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sweden is taking aim at online tax evasion and the estimated five billion Swedish krona (SEK) in annual undeclared income by the country's citizens. (This equates to roughly USD 645 million.) While much of this is revenue from "online marketplaces, porn, and astrology sites", undeclared income from games and virtual worlds are included in that figure. In fact, the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) looked at the sales of avatars and characters in 'computer games' over a 14 month period, with a collective advertised sum of 662 million SEK (USD 85 million). No income was declared on any of these transactions so it's a safe bet they'll be scrutinizing these sales moving forward.

Although the specific virtual worlds and games aren't named, GameCulture adds that the virtual property Skatteverket is looking at exchanged hands between 7000 gamers and residents. Also interesting is what GamePolitics turned up on the situation -- "even U.S. citizens could be subject to Swedish taxation on such virtual transactions, according to the Economics of Virtual Worlds blog."

MassivelySweden extending taxation into the virtual originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatarseconomygameculturegamepoliticslegalmmo-industryskatteverketswedenswedish-tax-agencytaxtaxationtaxesvirtual-goodsvirtual-itemsvirtual-worldsTue, 21 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MapleStory announces over 92 million users worldwide, 4 year anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/09/maplestory-announces-over-92-million-users-worldwide-4-year-ann/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/09/maplestory-announces-over-92-million-users-worldwide-4-year-ann/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/09/maplestory-announces-over-92-million-users-worldwide-4-year-ann/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


We often marvel at the sheer numbers of subscribers and users some MMOs and virtual worlds are able to reach. You can look at a title like World of Warcraft, with over 11 million subscribers and just picture a massive green tidal wave made of dollar bills sweeping over Blizzard HQ. Every month. But WoW's millions of customers, while impressive, pales in comparison with what Nexon announced this week with MapleStory: 92 million users worldwide, with 6 million users in North America alone.

Sure, comparing success stories of a subscription title with a free-to-play game is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. Each of those 92 million "Maplers" probably isn't dropping $15 each month to play, but the fact remains that many of those users are paying real money for their virtual goods. The numbers we ran for MapleStory's virtual items sales in the US, roughly one year ago, had 5.9 million US users spending USD 29.3 million on these goods.

Continue reading MapleStory announces over 92 million users worldwide, 4 year anniversary

MassivelyMapleStory announces over 92 million users worldwide, 4 year anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaybusiness-modelscasualf2pfree-to-playmaplestorymilestonemilestonesmmo-industrynexonusersvirtual-goodsvirtual-itemsSat, 09 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The big business of selling virtual goods]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/the-big-business-of-selling-virtual-goods/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/the-big-business-of-selling-virtual-goods/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/the-big-business-of-selling-virtual-goods/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that the entire concept of people spending real money on virtual items and currency was just bizarre. The first mentions of such a thing this writer ever came across were back in 2003, when Julian Dibbell told the story of Black Snow Interactive, rumored to have been operating virtual sweatshops operating in Mexico. Fast forward to 2009 and the notion of shelling out real world cash for the ephemeral has become commonplace. Moreover, these formerly arcane business models centering around virtual trading have ballooned into a huge business, much to the chagrin of many game companies and their players.

However, not all companies attempt to fight this ever-increasing gravity of real money trading (RMT) that now permeates the MMO and virtual worlds industry, and some seek to make it an aspect of their business that they control rather than something they need to curb. Indeed, the profits of many (legitimate) businesses are largely derived from sales of virtual goods, as Rory Maher explains at paidContent.org in his article titled "From Pet Penguins to Flame Throwers: The Biggest Sellers In The Virtual World".

Maher looks at three companies doing well for themselves in the virtual goods game, and what they're selling that's proven so popular. He points out Tencent, a Chinese IM provider that incorporates microtransactions into the service, allowing users to spend their "QQ" currency to enhance and customize their IM interactions, even buying virtual pets that exist on their desktop and run around inside their instant messages.

Continue reading The big business of selling virtual goods

MassivelyThe big business of selling virtual goods originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 May 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-snow-interactivejulian-dibbellmicrotransactionsmobsterspetsplay-moneyplaydomqqrmtrory-mahertencentvirtual-currencyvirtual-goodsvirtual-itemsyovillezyngaFri, 08 May 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Applied RMT Design with GoPets and Live Gamer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-applied-rmt-design-with-gopets-and-live-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-applied-rmt-design-with-gopets-and-live-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-applied-rmt-design-with-gopets-and-live-gamer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Massively sat in on a GDC 2009 session this week titled Applied RMT Design which was part of the Worlds in Motion Summit. Andrew Schneider, Founder and President of Live Gamer and Erik Bethke, CEO of GoPets, Ltd. presented a case study on balancing a game's primary and secondary markets, using GoPets as an example of how it can be done.

The market for virtual goods in massively multiplayer online games and virtual worlds is worth billions. Not all of this is grey market, and more games are now being designed with microtransactions in mind. Live Gamer aims to bring greater legitimacy to microtransactions through a regulated secondary market providing benefits to companies as well as the players themselves. Thus far they've worked with EverQuest II, Vanguard, and GoPets, with Acclaim's 9 Dragons on the way.

Bethke and Schneider kick off their talk by explaining the fact that RMT in MMOs is inevitable, explaining how developers can be proactive about incorporating RMT into their titles rather than having it exist outside of the game. Live Gamer works with developers to create a legitimate system for trading virtual items for real money, one that's safe and secure. Of course, legitimizing RMT can also stir up controversy.

Gallery: GDC09: RMT Design panel

Continue reading GDC09: Applied RMT Design with GoPets and Live Gamer

MassivelyGDC09: Applied RMT Design with GoPets and Live Gamer originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-11andrew-schneiderbusiness-modelscase-studycasualeconomyerik-bethkeeventsfree-to-playgame-designgdcgdc-2009gopetslive-gamermicrotransactionsmmo-industryprimary-marketreal-money-tradingreal-money-transactionsrmtsecondary-marketvirtual-goodsvirtual-itemsworlds-in-motionworlds-in-motion-summitSat, 28 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online announces new expansion: Legacy of the Xan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/anarchy-online-announces-new-expansion-legacy-of-the-xan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/anarchy-online-announces-new-expansion-legacy-of-the-xan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/anarchy-online-announces-new-expansion-legacy-of-the-xan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


These days, most discussion of sci-fi themed massively multiplayer online games tends to focus on Jumpgate Evolution, EVE Online, or the hotly anticipated post-apocalyptic titles that are on the way. But Anarchy Online is still going strong, and Funcom has just announced a new expansion for the title: Legacy of the Xan.

The Anarchy Online (booster) expansion will feature two new adventure areas and bring players to the hidden city of the Xan civilization. There are also new team instanced encounters including a 12-player raid encounter, and two new storylines -- "Dust Brigade" and "Alien Invasion." Anarchy Online will also give you new ways to boost your characters, through symbiants, spirits, and deck items.

Continue reading Anarchy Online announces new expansion: Legacy of the Xan

MassivelyAnarchy Online announces new expansion: Legacy of the Xan originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaobooster-packscolin-craggdeck-itemsencountersexpansionsfuncominstanceslegacy-of-the-xanmeansmmo-industryphasefront-hoverchairquestsraidingrubi-kasci-fispiritssymbiantsvirtual-itemsFri, 13 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xfire contest rewards you for playing Lord of the Rings Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/xfire-contest-rewards-you-for-playing-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/xfire-contest-rewards-you-for-playing-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/xfire-contest-rewards-you-for-playing-lord-of-the-rings-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Xfire and Turbine are teaming up to offer a Lord of the Rings "Play 2 Win" event. Gamers playing either the full game or its demo, and who've joined the Official Xfire Lord of the Rings Online Clan, are eligible to win prizes in the contest. The time you spend logged in determines your prize eligibility, if you're selected:

  • Gold Level Prizes (50 hours +): Ten winners each get a 6-month subscription, in-game Bree horse mount, and a LotRO t-shirt.
  • Silver Level Prizes (15-49 hours): Ten winners each get a 3-month subscription, and a LotRO t-shirt.
  • Bronze Level Prizes (under 15 hours): Ten winners each get a 30-day subscription.
The contest runs from January 28th to February 11th. You can check out the rest of the details of The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria Play 2 Win Event on the official Xfire site.

MassivelyXfire contest rewards you for playing Lord of the Rings Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chatcontestcontestslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroprizesturbinevirtual-itemsvoicexfireWed, 28 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why do people buy virtual goods in MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/why-do-people-buy-virtual-goods-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/why-do-people-buy-virtual-goods-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/why-do-people-buy-virtual-goods-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Massively multiplayer online gamers spend hours -- so many hours -- working towards obtaining virtual gear. Epic armor sets, mounts, player housing, faction ships... the list goes on, and will continue to go on. Our collective fascination with these intangibles ensures our desire for them -- and for those things beyond a player's reach solely within the virtual realm, real world cash makes all things possible.

This is the research focus of Ph.D. student Vili Lehdonvirta of the Helsinki Institute for Information Technology, who breaks down our buyer's impulse according to three criteria:

  • Functional attributes, such as speed, hitpoints, teleportation.
  • Hedonic attributes, or how the virtual gear looks or sounds, its provenance or its connection to the background fiction of the setting, and of course customizability.
  • Social attributes, particularly the prestige accorded with ownership of a rare item.
Have a look at his "Virtual item sales as a revenue model: identifying attributes that drive purchase decisions" for a thorough analysis of why many of us are so inclined to obtain something that's ultimately ephemeral, which goes beyond the simpler "useful vs. decorative" angle.

MassivelyWhy do people buy virtual goods in MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicarmorarmor-setculturefaction-shipgeargoldlootmmo-industrymountmountsplayer-housingreal-money-tradereal-money-tradingrmtvirtualvirtual-goodsvirtual-itemsvirtual-worldsFri, 09 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan's 31 days of Christmas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/age-of-conans-31-days-of-christmas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/age-of-conans-31-days-of-christmas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/age-of-conans-31-days-of-christmas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

'Two-handed axes' and 'Christmas' used in the same context generally conjures up images of Silent Night, Deadly Night, but there's an Age of Conan contest running throughout December that's equally festive. Funcom is giving away in-game items for Age of Conan every day this month, in the spirit of Christmas gore.

All you need to do to enter is fire off an email to: contest AT ageofconan DOT com, with "Season Give-away" as your subject. You'll need to provide them with your name, address, phone number and Age of Conan account name. Once that's done, you're in the running for this set of in-game items:

Continue reading Age of Conan's 31 days of Christmas

MassivelyAge of Conan's 31 days of Christmas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocchristmascontestsfantasyfuncomholidayholiday-eventholiday-eventsholidaysvirtual-itemsThu, 04 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[China's virtual goods taxation sparks price increases and controversy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/chinas-virtual-goods-taxation-sparks-price-increases-and-contro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/chinas-virtual-goods-taxation-sparks-price-increases-and-contro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/chinas-virtual-goods-taxation-sparks-price-increases-and-contro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


China's State Administration of Taxation recently imposed a 20 percent income tax rate on profits made from virtual currency and virtual items, sparking price increases for virtual goods. While this tax rate (if actually enforced) clearly impacts the virtual space, it also affects transactions happening outside of MMO servers and virtual world grids. The taxation policy could ultimately extend to the virtual currencies linked to the largest IM providers in China such as Tencent, drastically increasing the percentage of the population affected by the new laws. Despite this, the positive benefits of eliminating gray and black markets for virtual items and currency may outweigh the drawbacks for gamers and users of the various digital services in China.

Questions remain about what will and will not be taxed in the virtual space, but it's clear that individuals who gain virtual income are expected to declare their profits and pay taxes on this, and do so within seven days of having earned the profit, according to Shanghai Daily.Taxpayers who can provide proof of the value of this property or the value of the transaction are taxed at 20 percent on their profits, while those who cannot provide sufficient verification are taxed at three percent of the total transaction value. But how many people are affected by this new system?

Continue reading China's virtual goods taxation sparks price increases and controversy

MassivelyChina's virtual goods taxation sparks price increases and controversy originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiablack-marketchinacontroversyeconomicseconomygoldgray-marketlawlegalmmo-industryrmtshanghaishanghai-dailytaxtaxestencentvirtual-currencyvirtual-goodsvirtual-itemsvirtual-taxationvirtual-worldszhu-shenshenWed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Can we solve problems intertwined with MMO economies?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/the-daily-grind-can-we-solve-problems-intertwined-with-mmo-econ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/the-daily-grind-can-we-solve-problems-intertwined-with-mmo-econ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/the-daily-grind-can-we-solve-problems-intertwined-with-mmo-econ/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In-game economies can make MMOs more vibrant places to play, lending depth to these games that generally isn't found in regular PC or console titles. Then again, the perceived value attributed to virtual currency and items can lead to a slew of problems, not limited to acts of real world violence, the plague of gold spamming, and the slippery slope of ownership in the virtual space.

At least one company out there is working with MMO publishers to create a regulated secondary market, the hope being that it's possible to reclaim the black and grey market commerce so often attached to massively multiplayer titles. Do you think this approach is a viable solution to some of the problems associated with MMO economies? What are your ideas on how these issues intertwined with virtual currency and items should be resolved? Is there even a solution at all?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Can we solve problems intertwined with MMO economies? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingcrimecurrencyeconomygold-spammerlawlegallive-gamermoneyopinionownershiptdgthe-daily-grindvirtual-itemsvirtual-worldsSat, 25 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dutch court convicts 2 minors of stealing virtual items]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/dutch-court-convicts-2-minors-of-stealing-virtual-items/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/dutch-court-convicts-2-minors-of-stealing-virtual-items/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/dutch-court-convicts-2-minors-of-stealing-virtual-items/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Should the theft of virtual items be punishable by law? This varies from country to country, but today's ruling in a Dutch court emphasizes that virtual crime is actual crime under their country's laws, regardless of whether the individuals involved are minors. Associated Press reports: "These virtual goods are goods (under Dutch law) so this is theft," the court said Tuesday in a summary of its ruling.

The court did not reveal the identities of the minors, but they are 15-years-old and 14-years-old, respectively. They apparently coerced a younger boy into giving them a 'virtual amulet and virtual mask' in RuneScape. The offenders have both been sentenced to community service -- 200 hours for the 15-year-old, and 160 hours for the 14-year-old.

Do you feel this is too steep a penalty for virtual extortion, or not steep enough? Should it matter if the items or currency involved are real or virtual?

Update: It's been communicated to us by our readers in Holland that the crime in question was not, in fact, a virtual one, but involved actual violence. The victim in question, according to this source, "was kicked and threatened with a knife." The original Associated Press source omitted this detail, which obviously changes the tone of the discussion below. To clarify, this was real world violence inflicted over virtual items, hence the community service sentences for both of the offending minors.

MassivelyDutch court convicts 2 minors of stealing virtual items originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>associated-presscrimecriminaleconomyfantasylawlegalrunescapetheftthiefvirtual-goodsvirtual-itemsTue, 21 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI collectible confers unique in-game ability]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/final-fantasy-xi-collectible-confers-unique-in-game-ability/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/final-fantasy-xi-collectible-confers-unique-in-game-ability/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/final-fantasy-xi-collectible-confers-unique-in-game-ability/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Final Fantasy XI players who are into collectibles have a new item to lust over. There's a new addition to the Final Fantasy XI Player's Collection, which is available for a limited time only: The Tidal Talisman. It's a $43 silver-plated pendant with a side-benefit that's the real selling point. It comes with a virtual counterpart, which could prove very useful. The in-game version of the Tidal Talisman allows a player to teleport to locations previously visited in Vana'diel. Or, as it's described over at FFXI's site, it confers "the ability to project phantasmal robes over the wearer's body and enabling the wearer to teleport to distant lands in the blink of an eye."

For those who are on the fence about shelling out $43 for a FFXI pendant, Square-Enix appeals to a gamer's sense of urgency regarding scarcity of virtual goods: "We have no plans to bring this item back in the future, so all players are encouraged to take advantage of this unique one-time opportunity!"

Continue reading Final Fantasy XI collectible confers unique in-game ability

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI collectible confers unique in-game ability originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xisquare-enixteleportteleportationtidal-talismanvanadielvirtual-goodsvirtual-itemvirtual-itemsWed, 20 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What Rase Kenzo means for virtual property]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/what-rase-kenzo-means-for-virtual-property/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/what-rase-kenzo-means-for-virtual-property/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/what-rase-kenzo-means-for-virtual-property/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Our own Tateru Nino has been covering the Second Life case of Rase Kenzo very closely, but with the settlement yesterday, it seems the ruling might have effects on the concepts of virtual worlds at large. At issue is whether or not an avatar named Rase Kenzo could use an exploit to duplicate items created by Second Lifers-- does copyright and intellectual property matter when the items you're talking about are virtual? As Tateru herself noted, yes-- virtual theft matters.

And Raph Koster agrees. He points to the Rase Kenzo settlement as all the precendent any court would need to consider virtual goods "merchandise" in every sense of the word, with all the normal protections and inherent properties included.

Now, the Second Life items had some properties that most other virtual world items do not-- they were actually coded and created by the creators, and while you do hit a button to create, say, an Epic in WoW or a ship in EVE, the item you create wasn't actually created by you. So the intellectual property laws probably won't cross over-- whether you virtually "crafted" an item or not, you don't have a lot of claim on it when the design didn't come out of your head.

But we are another step closer to putting a real (and real-world) value on virtual items. This case took place in Second Life, but like many things in the Lindens' world, odds are it will have repercussions in lots of different virtual worlds.

MassivelyWhat Rase Kenzo means for virtual property originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingitemsrase-kenzoreal-world-valuesecond-lifetateru-ninovirtual-itemsvirtual-worldsWed, 05 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST